ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Professional Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Waterford, CA

$104K - $125K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mariposa, CA

$102K - $122K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Le Grand, CA

$117K - $141K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Jamestown, CA

$108K - $129K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Gustine, CA

$107K - $129K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Planada, CA

$104K - $125K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Atwater, CA

$99K - $118K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Chowchilla, CA

$119K - $142K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Fairmead, CA

$119K - $142K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Newman, CA

$109K - $131K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Engineer JobsProfessional Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA

Professional Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$49.1K

$102.5K

$144.1K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Merced, CA is $102,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $116,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Professional Engineers?

Professional Engineers (PEs) are licensed engineers who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements established by their state or country. They are legally authorized to sign off on engineering projects, offer their services to the public, and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of engineering work. Becoming a PE typically involves earning an accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license signifies a high standard of competence and ethics in the engineering profession.

What is the difference between Professional Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProfessional EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly fundamentals exam, but not license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, sign off on projects, often in consulting or engineering firmsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageLicensed in engineering projects, legal responsibilityCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more

The main difference between a Professional Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that the PE is licensed and authorized to sign off on engineering projects, ensuring legal and safety standards are met. Mechanical Engineers typically hold the necessary education and experience but do not have licensing requirements unless they pursue PE licensure. Both roles work closely in engineering fields, but the PE designation signifies a higher level of responsibility and legal accountability.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Professional engineers can earn $250,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in high-demand industries such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and employer, with senior-level positions and specialized skills commanding higher compensation.

What Do Professional Engineers Do?

A professional engineer uses mathematics and science to create safe and efficient buildings, machines, and applications. Engineers typically specialize in a particular field, such as aerospace, mechanical, or structural engineering. Your job duties vary depending on your area of expertise and employer but may include creating plans, designing machinery, or building skyscrapers. This career often involves a combination of office and field work. Frequent travel is an additional job requirement for many professional engineering jobs. Long hours and overtime work are also expected to meet deadlines.

What are some common challenges Professional Engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Professional Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to handle shifting deadlines and resource allocation. Collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other engineers helps maintain project momentum and quality, while regular progress reviews ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and engineering managers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve working in specialized industries, managing large projects, or overseeing teams in high-demand sectors like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a degree in engineering, typically complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, along with ongoing continuing education, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help engineers deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can design safe, efficient systems and maintain high professional standards in complex technical environments.

What can you do as a professional engineer?

A professional engineer designs, develops, and evaluates systems, structures, or processes within their engineering discipline. They often hold a license that allows them to approve projects, sign off on plans, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Professional engineers work in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology, using technical skills and tools like CAD software and engineering principles.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-demand industries.
More about Professional Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in Merced, CA? For Professional Engineer jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Professional Engineer job openings:
Professional Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Merced, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,502 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Associate Engineer - Traffic

Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group

Chowchilla, CA

$105K - $143K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Available in Other Offices: Bakersfield or Visalia


Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Traffic Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for traffic engineering, a proven track record in traffic studies, and be licensed to practice engineering in California.


Duties

  • Lead and manage traffic studies, impact analyses, and traffic operations assessments for a variety of projects including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
  • Conduct and oversee data collection, traffic modeling, and analysis using industry-standard software and methodologies.
  • Coordinate with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals.
  • Mentor and train junior staff on traffic engineering principles and practices.
  • Ensure all projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations, standards, and guidelines


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in traffic engineering and traffic studies.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) or Traffic Engineer (TE) license required.
  • Proficiency in traffic analysis software such as Synchro, VISSIM, HCS, or similar tools.
  • Knowledge and experience with travel demand modeling software, such as Cube.
  • Strong understanding of California traffic engineering regulations, standards, and guidelines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Commitment to providing exceptional client service and delivering high-quality work.

Apply